Degrees, Valleys, and Gateway Awards: Why My "Spiky Profile" Needs Both

It might seem a bit unusual: I hold two Bachelor's degrees, I'm an autistic adult, and yet, I'm currently working on the Mencap Gateway Award. On paper, it looks like a "mismatch," but in reality, it's a perfectly logical step in my journey.

​Many neurodivergent individuals, myself included, experience what’s called a "spiky profile." This means our skills and development aren't uniform. We might have impressive strengths in academic areas—like my degrees demonstrate—but find other aspects of life incredibly challenging. Think of it like a beautiful mountain range: towering peaks in some areas, and deep valleys in others.

​University taught me how to research, write, and think critically. What it didn't teach me was how to navigate the overwhelming sensory input of a grocery store, manage executive dysfunction to maintain a consistent routine, or decode the nuanced social cues essential for building community connections.

​The Gateway Award isn't about proving intelligence; it's about building essential life skills, fostering independence, and boosting confidence in everyday scenarios. It's about finding practical "life hacks" that weren't covered in any syllabus. It's a structured, supportive environment to address those "valleys" in my spiky profile that traditional education simply doesn't touch.

​So, if you're ever feeling like your personal growth journey doesn't fit the conventional timeline or look like everyone else's, remember this: growth is growth. There's no such thing as being "overqualified" for learning how to live a more comfortable, confident, and independent life. My Gateway Award isn't a step backward; it's a crucial, forward-thinking stride towards a more fulfilling future.